11 Face Mask + Ear Saver Sewing Patterns (plus where to find fabric, filters, elastic, and more!)
May 07, 2020

11 Face Mask + Ear Saver Sewing Patterns (plus where to find fabric, filters, elastic, and more!)

Disclaimer: DIY face masks add an extra precaution, but they are in no way approved or guaranteed to protect against contracting coronavirus or any other diseases, viruses, or infections. 

Creating your own DIY non-medical face masks can be a fun way to get crafty and resourceful while social distancing! Besides protecting you and your family while alleviating some boredom, you’re also doing a service to your community during these difficult times. 

Not only does sewing homemade masks help to slow the spread of the virus, but you’re also helping to conserve the supply of medic
Disclaimer: DIY face masks add an extra precaution, but they are in no way approved or guaranteed to protect against contracting coronavirus or any other diseases, viruses, or infections. 

Creating your own DIY non-medical face masks can be a fun way to get crafty and resourceful while social distancing! Besides protecting you and your family while alleviating some boredom, you’re also doing a service to your community during these difficult times. 

Not only does sewing homemade masks help to slow the spread of the virus, but you’re also helping to conserve the supply of medical-grade face masks for essential professionals and those on the front lines. In addition, you can donate batches of masks to health care workers and hospitals to use over medical masks or when medical-grade masks are not required. 

So are you ready to whip up your own set of DIY face masks? Then keep reading to learn more about DIY face masks and 11 free patterns to use!

 

DIY Face Mask Supplies + Where to Get Them

Fabrics

While it is generally recommended to use 100% cotton fabrics for face coverings, other tight, yet breathable fabrics can work as well. Places to get it:

  • Your Closet: Upcycle old T-shirts, sweaters, and even socks can be used for your DIY face mask.

  • Around the house: As long as they are thoroughly cleaned, you can also use things like cotton tea towels, pillowcases, bedsheets, etc. 

  • Craft/Fabric Stores: While some local craft stores have been deemed essential, it may still be a good idea to follow social distancing guidelines and order supplies from these stores online.

  • Etsy: If you’re looking to support smaller and independent business owners during this time, you can order bundles of fabric from here.

  • Walmart: If you’re already out shopping for groceries and other essential goods, you can get some fabrics from your Walmart’s selection and knock out two birds with one stone.

 

Filters
While multiple layers of fabric are a great start, filters can add an extra layer of protection. And chances are, you won’t have to leave your home to get these. The CDC recommended choice for filters is coffee filters, but you can also use vacuum or air filters (ones without fiberglass). However, if you plan on using filters, make sure your pattern includes a filter pocket!

Though alternatives such as shoe strings, hair ties, and rubber bands are available, the best option for your DIY non-medical masks is sewing elastic. You can order elastic for masks online from Plum Polka Dot here!

These aren’t used for the masks themselves, but rather to keep elastic off your ears to prevent chaffing. You’ll use buttons if you decide to DIY some ear savers or headbands to wear with masks. Ear savers may seem less important, but for health care workers and other professionals who need to wear masks for long shifts, these are extremely helpful. 

Everything Else

Everything else you need for sewing masks is likely already in your home. However, here are some things to add to your supply list if you don’t have them on hand. 
  • Sewing Needle + Thread
  • Sewing Machine (Preferred)
  • Pipe Cleaners or Twist Ties
  • Sewing Pins
  • Markers
  • Fabric Scissors

This should cover the essentials to make your first masks.  But if you find a specialized pattern you’d prefer, you may come across some items not listed here.

Now, without further ado, here are our top picks face mask sewing patterns:

11 Patterns for Non-Medical DIY Face Masks + Ear Savers
Disclaimer: DIY face masks add an extra precaution, but they are in no way approved or guaranteed to protect against contracting coronavirus or any other diseases, viruses, or infections. 
Face Masks
A basic, popular-style DIY face mask sewing pattern from the New York Times.

New to sewing face masks? Try this super simple pleated face mask pattern from The Stitching Scientist.

Another free face mask sewing pattern from the blog Craft Passion.

The kiddos need face masks too! This face mask pattern is smaller-sized and quick to whip up for the kids.

Are you planning on donating your masks to health care workers? The Sewing Channel on Youtube makes these masks that are hospital-approved and a good choice to start with. 

If Olson-style hospital face masks are preferred, try this pattern from Gail Kollmar.

If you’re having trouble sewing a truly gapless face mask, this pattern by Taya Somes promises a tighter and snugger fit. 

As the title suggests, this pattern from Joann Craft & Fabric Stores is a surgical-style face mask with a closer-fitting, flexible nose.

This face mask uses clear vinyl fabric in the center so the mouth and lips remain visible for clear communication. 

Ear Savers

Ladies, these cute DIY headbands from A Well-Purposed Woman are the perfect addition to your DIY face masks while keeping the elastic off your ears. 

DIY ear savers are also another option to keep the ears from chaffing when face masks are worn for long periods of time. Check it out on The Craft Patch Blog.

Plum Polka Dot hopes you and your family are doing well during these uncertain times and can use these resources to stay a little safer. 
 
As many stores are running low or out of stock on the things you need, we want to do our part and make getting essential supplies for creating these DIY face masks easier. 

We’re now offering elastics and buttons available to purchase and have delivered straight to your door. 

Buttons are available here, and you can also order elastic for face masks here.

Stay safe!

Disclaimer: DIY face masks add an extra precaution, but they are in no way approved or guaranteed to protect against contracting coronavirus or any other diseases, viruses, or infections.